Videoconferencing calibration systems, controllers and methods for calibrating a videoconferencing system

ABSTRACT

A videoconferencing calibration system includes first and second videoconferencing components, a first codec connected with a second codec via a videoconferencing connection, and first and second controllers. The first controller is configured to control the first videoconferencing component to transmit a videoconferencing signal to the second codec, and the second controller is configured to analyze the transmitted videoconferencing signal to determine a calibration adjustment value by comparing at least one signal level value of the videoconferencing signal to a calibration target according to at least one calibration adjustment rule, and to transmit the determined calibration adjustment value to the first controller. The first controller is configured to adjust a signal level setting of the first codec according to the calibration adjustment value transmitted by the second controller.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit and priority of U.S. ProvisionalApplication No. 62/556,760 filed on Sep. 11, 2017. The entire disclosureof the above application is incorporated herein.

FIELD

The present disclosure relates to videoconferencing calibration systems,controllers and methods for calibrating a videoconferencing system.

BACKGROUND

This section provides background information related to the presentdisclosure which is not necessarily prior art.

Videoconferencing systems typically include a codec for establishingvideoconferencing calls with other codec(s) in other videoconferencingsystems. Various input and output videoconferencing components may beconnected with the codecs, such as speakers, cameras, displays, etc. Thevideoconferencing components receive audio and video inputs fromparticipants in a videoconferencing call, and supply audio and videooutputs to the participants in the videoconferencing call. Thevideoconferencing components may have different calibration levels forvolume, brightness, resolution, etc.

SUMMARY

This section provides a general summary of the disclosure, and is not acomprehensive disclosure of its full scope or all of its features.

According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a video conferencingcalibration system includes a first videoconferencing component, a firstcodec in communication with the first videoconferencing component, asecond codec connected to the first codec via a videoconferencingconnection, and a first controller in communication with the firstvideoconferencing component and the first codec. The first controller isconfigured to control the first videoconferencing component to transmita videoconferencing signal to the second codec through thevideoconferencing connection. The system also includes a secondcontroller in communication with the second codec. The second controlleris configured to analyze the videoconferencing signal transmittedthrough the videoconferencing connection to determine a calibrationadjustment value by comparing at least one signal level value of thevideoconferencing signal to a calibration target according to at leastone calibration adjustment rule, and to transmit the determinedcalibration adjustment value to the first controller. The firstcontroller is configured to adjust a signal level setting of the firstcodec according to the calibration adjustment value transmitted by thesecond controller.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a method ofcalibrating a videoconferencing system is disclosed. Thevideoconferencing system includes a first controller in communicationwith a first codec and a second controller in communication with asecond codec. The second codec is connected to the first codec through avideoconferencing connection. The method includes receiving, at thesecond codec, a videoconferencing signal transmitted by the first codecto the second codec through the videoconferencing connection between thefirst codec and the second codec. The method also includes analyzing, bythe second controller, the videoconferencing signal received at thesecond codec to determine a calibration adjustment value by comparing atleast one signal level value of the videoconferencing signal to acalibration target according to at least one calibration adjustmentrule. The method further includes transmitting the determinedcalibration adjustment value to the first controller to allow the firstcontroller to adjust a signal level setting of the first codec accordingto the determined calibration adjustment value transmitted by the firstcontroller.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a controller forcalibrating a videoconferencing system is disclosed. The system includesa first codec connected to a second codec through a videoconferencingconnection. The controller generally includes an input in communicationwith the first codec for obtaining a videoconferencing signal receivedby the first codec from the second codec through the videoconferencingconnection, and an output for transmitting a calibration adjustmentvalue to another controller over a network, the other controller incommunication with the second codec. The controller is configured toanalyze the obtained videoconferencing signal received by the firstcodec to determine the calibration adjustment value by comparing atleast one signal level value of the videoconferencing signal to acalibration target according to at least one calibration adjustmentrule, and to transmit the determined calibration adjustment value to theother controller to allow the other controller to adjust a signal levelsetting of the second codec using a level adjustment command of thesecond codec. The level adjustment command corresponds to the determinedcalibration adjustment value.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a method ofcalibrating a videoconferencing system is disclosed. Thevideoconferencing system includes a first controller in communicationwith a first codec and a second controller in communication with asecond codec. The second codec is connected to the first codec through avideoconferencing connection. The method generally includestransmitting, by the first codec, a videoconferencing signal to thesecond codec through the videoconferencing connection between the firstcodec and the second codec. The method also includes receiving, by thefirst controller, a calibration adjustment value from the secondcontroller. The received calibration adjustment value is determined bythe second controller by comparing at least one signal level value ofthe videoconferencing signal received at the second codec to acalibration target according to at least one calibration adjustmentrule. The method further includes adjusting, by the first controller, asignal level setting of the first codec using a level adjustment commandof the first codec. The level adjustment command is determined accordingto the calibration adjustment value transmitted by the secondcontroller.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a controller forcalibrating a videoconferencing system is disclosed. The controllerincludes a first codec connected to a second codec through avideoconferencing connection. The controller generally includes anoutput in communication with the first codec for controlling the firstcodec to transmit a videoconferencing signal to the second codec throughthe videoconferencing connection, and an input for receiving acalibration adjustment value from another controller over a network. Theother controller is in communication with the second codec, and thereceived calibration adjustment value is determined by the secondcontroller by comparing at least one signal level of thevideoconferencing signal received at the second codec to a calibrationtarget according to at least one calibration adjustment rule. Thecontroller is configured to adjust a signal level setting of the firstcodec using a level adjustment command of the first codec. The leveladjustment command is determined according to the calibration adjustmentvalue transmitted by the second controller.

Further aspects and areas of applicability will become apparent from thedescription provided herein. It should be understood that variousaspects and features of this disclosure may be implemented individuallyor in combination with one or more other aspects or features. It shouldalso be understood that the description and specific examples herein areintended for purposes of illustration only and are not intended to limitthe scope of the present disclosure.

DRAWINGS

The drawings described herein are for illustrative purposes only ofselected embodiments and not all possible implementations, and are notintended to limit the scope of the present disclosure.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a videoconferencing calibration systemaccording to one example embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a videoconferencing calibration systemincluding audio and video components, according to another exampleembodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram of a videoconferencing calibration systemincluding an audio signal generator and a video signal generatorintegrated in the controller, according to another example embodiment ofthe present disclosure.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram of a videoconferencing calibration systemincluding a microphone connected with the controller on a near end ofthe system, according to another example embodiment of the presentdisclosure.

FIG. 5 is a flow chart of a method for calibrating a near endmicrophone, according to another example embodiment of the presentdisclosure.

FIG. 6 is a flow chart of a method for calibrating a near end programinput audio signal, according to another example embodiment of thepresent disclosure.

FIG. 7 is a flow chart of a method for calibrating a near end programoutput audio signal, according to another example embodiment of thepresent disclosure.

FIG. 8 is a flow chart of a method for calibrating a near end microphonetransmission, according to another example embodiment of the presentdisclosure.

FIG. 9 is a flow chart of a method for calibrating a near end programaudio transmission, according to another example embodiment of thepresent disclosure.

FIG. 10 is a flow chart of a method for calibrating a near end programaudio receive signal, according to another example embodiment of thepresent disclosure.

FIG. 11 is a flow chart of a method for calibrating a near end contentvideo signal, according to another example embodiment of the presentdisclosure.

FIG. 12 is a flow chart of a method for calibrating a near end cameravideo signal, according to another example embodiment of the presentdisclosure.

FIG. 13 is a flow chart of a method for calibrating a near end videocontent receive signal, according to another example embodiment of thepresent disclosure.

FIG. 14 is a flow chart of a method for calibrating a near end cameravideo receive signal, according to another example embodiment of thepresent disclosure.

FIG. 15 is a block diagram of a controller, according to another exampleembodiment of the present disclosure.

Corresponding reference numerals indicate corresponding parts throughoutthe several views of the drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Example embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will bethorough, and will fully convey the scope to those who are skilled inthe art. Numerous specific details are set forth such as examples ofspecific components, devices, and methods, to provide a thoroughunderstanding of embodiments of the present disclosure. It will beapparent to those skilled in the art that specific details need not beemployed, that example embodiments may be embodied in many differentforms and that neither should be construed to limit the scope of thedisclosure. In some example embodiments, well-known processes,well-known device structures, and well-known technologies are notdescribed in detail.

The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particularexample embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting. As usedherein, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” may be intended toinclude the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicatesotherwise. The terms “comprises,” “comprising,” “including,” and“having,” are inclusive and therefore specify the presence of statedfeatures, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, butdo not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features,integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groupsthereof. The method steps, processes, and operations described hereinare not to be construed as necessarily requiring their performance inthe particular order discussed or illustrated, unless specificallyidentified as an order of performance. It is also to be understood thatadditional or alternative steps may be employed.

Although the terms first, second, third, etc. may be used herein todescribe various elements, components, regions, layers and/or sections,these elements, components, regions, layers and/or sections should notbe limited by these terms. These terms may be only used to distinguishone element, component, region, layer or section from another region,layer or section. Terms such as “first,” “second,” and other numericalterms when used herein do not imply a sequence or order unless clearlyindicated by the context. Thus, a first element, component, region,layer or section discussed below could be termed a second element,component, region, layer or section without departing from the teachingsof the example embodiments.

Spatially relative terms, such as “inner,” “outer,” “beneath,” “below,”“lower,” “above,” “upper,” and the like, may be used herein for ease ofdescription to describe one element or feature's relationship to anotherelement(s) or feature(s) as illustrated in the figures. Spatiallyrelative terms may be intended to encompass different orientations ofthe device in use or operation in addition to the orientation depictedin the figures. For example, if the device in the figures is turnedover, elements described as “below” or “beneath” other elements orfeatures would then be oriented “above” the other elements or features.Thus, the example term “below” can encompass both an orientation ofabove and below. The device may be otherwise oriented (rotated 90degrees or at other orientations) and the spatially relative descriptorsused herein interpreted accordingly.

Example embodiments will now be described more fully with reference tothe accompanying drawings.

A videoconferencing calibration system according to one exampleembodiment of the present disclosure is illustrated in FIG. 1, andindicated generally by reference number 100. As shown in FIG. 1, thevideoconferencing calibration system 100 includes a near end system 112and a far end system 114.

The near end system 112 includes a videoconferencing component 102, anear end codec 104 and a near end controller 108. The near end codec 104is in communication with the videoconferencing component 102. The farend system includes a far end codec 106 and a far end controller 110.The far end codec 106 is connected to the near end codec 104 via avideoconferencing connection 105 (e.g., an analog or digital pathway forcommunication between two devices, computers, software programs, codecs,etc.).

In the near end system 112, the near end controller 108 is coupled withthe videoconferencing component 102 and the near end codec 104. The nearend controller 108 is configured to control the videoconferencingcomponent 102 to transmit a videoconferencing signal to the far endcodec 106 through the videoconferencing connection 105.

In the far end system 114, the far end controller 110 is coupled withthe far end codec 106. The far end controller 110 is configured toanalyze the videoconferencing signal transmitted through thevideoconferencing connection 105 to determine a calibration adjustmentvalue by comparing at least one signal level value of thevideoconferencing signal to a calibration target according to at leastone calibration adjustment rule.

The far end controller 110 is configured to transmit the determinedcalibration adjustment value to the near end controller 108. The nearend controller 108 is configured to adjust a signal level setting of thenear end codec 104 according to the determined calibration adjustmentvalue. For example, the near end controller 108 may adjust the signallevel setting of the near end codec 104 using a level adjustment commandof the near end codec 104, where the level adjustment commandcorresponds to the calibration adjustment value transmitted by the farend controller 110.

The near end system 112 and far end system 114 may be located in thesame or separate buildings. For example, the near end codec 104 can belocated in a building separate from the building of the far end codec106 (e.g., the far end system 114 is a remote calibrated system, etc.).In this case, the videoconferencing connection 105 between the near endcodec 104 and the far end codec 106 may be implemented via a networkconnection (e.g., Internet, etc.) between the near end codec 104 and thefar end codec 106, etc.

In other embodiments, the near end codec 104 and far end codec 106 maybe located in a same building (e.g., a same room, etc.). In this case,‘far end’ may simply refer to a test system where the far end codec 106is used to test the ‘near end’ codec 104. For example, the far end codec106 and far end controller 110 could be located on a same equipmentrack, cart, etc. as the near end codec 104 and the near end controller108.

In some embodiments, the near end is a location (e.g., site) of aconferencing system to be commissioned, where a technician, end user,etc. initiates a commissioning process. The far end may be a location ofa conferencing system that is called from the near end. Test equipmentmay reside at the far end and process requests received at the far end.The far end may be on the same network as the near end system, in the‘cloud’ outside of a near end system network, etc.

The videoconferencing component 102 may include any suitablevideoconferencing component capable of generating a videoconferencingsignal, such as a microphone, an audio digital signal processor, anaudio line input, a video switcher, a camera, etc.

The videoconferencing signal may correspond to the type(s) ofvideoconferencing component(s) 102 in the system 100. For example, thevideoconferencing signal may include an audio signal when thevideoconferencing component 102 is an audio component, a video signalwhen the videoconferencing component 102 is a video component, an audioand video signal when the videoconferencing component 102 is an audioand video component, etc.

Accordingly, the videoconferencing calibration system 100 may be used toautomatically configure, calibrate, etc. the system 100. For example,the near end controller 108 may initially set a default configuration ofthe near end codec 104. The near end controller 108 can then control oneor more videoconferencing component(s) 102 to simulate the near endexperience of a conference call. This may include, but is not limitedto, generating a calibrated signal level from a signal generator withinthe near end system, generating a calibrated video signal level from asignal generator within the near end system, etc.

The calibrated level can include a level, resolution, etc. of an audioand/or video signal that is in agreement with a predetermined or targetvalue. The value may be an industry standard, a site specific value, acustomer specific value, a value determined by the system administrator,etc.

The near end controller 108 can then establish a connection with the farend controller 110 (e.g., on the far end of the conference call). Thenear end controller 108 can communicate with the near end codec 104 viaAPI commands, etc. to initiate and connect a videoconferencing call withthe far end system 114. The far end system 114 can then accept the calland run through one or more tests to determine the appropriateconfiguration of the near end system 112.

During this procedure, the near end controller 108 may communicate withthe far end controller 110 to adjust settings in the near end codec 104.For example, the near end controller 108 may adjust settings of the nearend codec 104 through API commands, etc., to establish appropriatelevels and configuration settings of the near end codec 104.

Once the appropriate configuration is determined, the near endcontroller 108 can save the finalized configuration. This finalizedconfiguration may be sent to the far end controller 110 for archivalpurposes, etc. If desired, the configuration may be verified by a humanuser in the room of the near end system 112, and any further changes canbe made and saved to the configuration of the near end codec 104. Theconfiguration (e.g., settings, etc.) of the near end codec 104 may beassigned (e.g., automatic assignment or manual assignment) via hardware,software, etc.

As mentioned above, the far end controller 110 compares at least onesignal level value of the videoconferencing signal to a calibrationtarget according to at least one calibration adjustment rule. The signallevel value could include any suitable parameter of a videoconferencingsignal, such as a sound pressure level (dB SPL) value, a dBU value, adBV value, a decibels relative to full scale (dB FS) value, a real timeanalyzation (RTA) of frequency level, an equalization value offrequency, a time domain value, a time delay value, a video resolutionvalue (e.g., 720p, 1080p, etc.), a video frame rate value, a video colorvalue, a video color bit depth value, a video signal type value, anaudio signal type value, etc.

The near end codec 104 and the far end codec 106 may include anysuitable videoconferencing codecs (e.g., coder, decoder, etc.). Forexample, the codecs 104 and 106 can comprise room-based componentcodecs, mobile cart-based codecs, mobile phone-based codecs, mobiletablet-based codecs, etc. A videoconferencing codec may refer to acoder/decoder for audio only, a coder/decoder for audio and videoconferencing calls, etc. The videoconferencing codec may be part of aconferencing system used to transmit and receive audio information onlythrough a codec, to transmit and receive audio and video informationthrough a codec, etc.

As mentioned above, the near end controller 108 receives a determinedcalibration adjustment value from the far end controller 110, andadjusts a signal level setting of the near end codec 104 according tothe determined calibration adjustment value received from the far endcontroller 110. The near end controller 108 may be configured to saveone or more adjusted signal level settings of the near end codec 104,and transmit the saved one or more signal level settings to the far endcontroller 110. This can allow the far end controller 110 to storeadjusted signal level settings of the near end codec 104 for later usewith the near end codec 104 as desired, to improve calibration ofsubsequent near end codecs, for documentation, for archival purposes,for reporting purposes, etc.

The codecs, controllers, videoconferencing components, etc. describedherein may be configured to perform operations using any suitablecombination of hardware and software. For example, the codecs,controllers, videoconferencing components, etc. may include any suitablecircuitry, logic gates, microprocessor(s), computer-executableinstructions stored in memory, etc. operable to cause the codecs,controllers, videoconferencing components, etc. to perform actionsdescribed herein (e.g., controlling the videoconferencing component 102to transmit a videoconferencing signal to the near end codec 104 throughthe videoconferencing connection 105, etc.). In some embodiments, eachof the controllers 108 and 110 may comprise a specific device, acomputer, software running on a device (e.g., a codec), etc. Asmentioned throughout, the codecs, controllers and system components canbe integrated in the same device, distributed across multiple differentdevices, etc.

FIG. 2 illustrates an example videoconferencing calibration system 200according to another aspect of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG.2, the system 200 includes a near end system 212 having a near end codec204 and a near end controller 208. The videoconferencing calibrationsystem 200 also includes a far end system 214 having a far end codec 206and a far end controller 210.

The near end codec 204 transmits and/or receives a videoconferencingsignal to/from the far end codec 206 via a videoconferencing connection205 on the network 216. The near end controller 208 communicates withthe far end controller 210 via the network 216. Although FIG. 2illustrates the codecs 204 and 206 communicating via a separate networkconnection than the controllers 208 and 210, in other embodiments thecodecs 204 and 206 may communicate with one another via the same networkconnection as the controllers 208 and 210.

Communication may be unidirectional or bidirectional between the codecs204 and 206, and between the controllers 208 and 210. For example, thefar end controller 210 may control the far end codec 206 to transmit avideoconferencing signal to the near end codec 204 via thevideoconferencing connection 205. The near end controller 208 can thenanalyze the videoconferencing signal received by the near end codec 204to determine a calibration adjustment value, and adjust the near endcodec based on the determined calibration adjustment value.

The near end system 212 includes an audio signal generator 218. The nearend controller 208 is configured to control the audio signal generator218 to provide a calibrated signal to a microphone 220. The resultingoutput signal from the microphone 220 is then sent to the near end codec204 through an input audio digital signal processor (DSP) 222.

The near end codec 204 transmits the signal from the input audio DSP 222to the output audio DSP 224. The output audio DSP 224 transmits a signalto an audio power amplifier 226, which powers a speaker 228 to play theaudio signal.

Therefore, one or more signal generators may be used to providecalibrated signal(s) to one or more videoconferencing components. Asshown in FIG. 2, the near end system 212 also includes a video signalgenerator 230. The near end controller 208 controls the video signalgenerator 230 to provide a calibrated signal to a video switcher 232.The video switcher 232 then transmits a signal to the near end codec204, and the near end codec 204 provides a video signal to be displayedon the display 234.

The near end codec 204 may transmit the audio signal from audio DSP 222and/or the video signal from the video switcher 232 to the far end codec206, via the videoconferencing connection 205.

Similar to the near end system 212, the far end system 214 includes anaudio signal generator 236 which provides a calibrated signal to amicrophone 238, and the output of the microphone is transmitted to thefar end codec 206 via the input audio DSP 240. The far end codec 206then transmits an output audio signal to the speaker 246 via the outputaudio DSP 242 and the audio power amplifier 244.

The far end system 214 also includes a video signal generator 248 whichprovides a calibrated signal to the video switcher 250. The far endcodec 206 receives the output of the video switcher 250, and provides asignal to display 252. The far end codec 206 may provide the receivedaudio and/or video signals to the near end codec 204 via thevideoconferencing connection 205.

The near end controller 208 and the far end controller 210 maycommunicate via the network 216 to transmit determined calibrationadjustment values, etc. between one another as described above relativeto system 100 of FIG. 1, to implement automatic calibration ofvideoconferencing system 200.

As shown in FIG. 2, the near end controller 208 is in communication withthe display 234. The near end controller 208 may control the videosignal generator 230 to transmit a local video conferencing signal tothe display through the near end codec 204, and then analyze the localvideoconferencing signal received at the display 234 to determine alocal calibration adjustment value. The near end controller can thenadjust a local level setting of the near end codec 204 according to thedetermined local calibration adjustment value.

Although FIG. 2 illustrates a speaker 228 and a display 234, otherembodiments may include other suitable output components for settinglocal calibration levels of the near end codec 204. Similarly, otherembodiments may include signal generators other than audio signalgenerator 218 and video signal generator 230.

As described above, the near end controller 208 is in communication withthe audio signal generator 218, and may be configured to control theaudio signal generator 218 to provide a calibrated signal to themicrophone 220. As shown in FIG. 2, the near end controller 208 can alsobe connected to the audio DSP 222. In this case, the near end controller208 may control the audio DSP 222 directly to provide a calibratedsignal to the near end codec 204. Similarly, the near end controller 208can be connected with the video switcher 232 to control the videoswitcher 232 directly to provide a calibrated signal to the near endcodec 204.

The system 200 may implement any number of suitable calibration tests.For example, audio signals generated by the audio signal generator 218can be played through the near end codec 204 and received by the nearend microphone 220, to calibrate local settings of the near end system212.

Audio signals generated by the audio signal generator 218 can be sentthrough the near end codec 204 to the far end codec 206 via thevideoconferencing connection 205 (e.g., a videoconferencing call). Thefar end controller 210 can then pass information to the near endcontroller 208, to adjust levels in the near end codec 204 for audio.Once generated audio levels from the near end system 212 are inagreement with calibrated target levels at the far end system 214, thenear end system 212 may be considered as calibrated for audiotransmission.

Audio signals generated by the audio signal generator 236 can be sentthrough the far end codec 206 to the near end codec 204 via thevideoconferencing connection 205. The far end controller 210 can thenpass information to the near end controller 208, to adjust levels in thenear end codec 204 for audio. Once generated audio levels from the farend system 214 are in agreement with calibrated target levels at thenear end system 212, the near end system 212 may be considered ascalibrated for audio reception.

Calibration tests may be performed for video signals. For example, videosignals generated by the video signal generator 230 can be sent throughthe near end codec 204 to the far end codec 206 via thevideoconferencing connection 205. The far end controller 210 can thenpass information to the near end controller 208, to adjust levels in thenear end codec 204 for video. Once generated video levels from the nearend system 212 are in agreement with calibrated target levels at the farend system 214, the near end system 212 may be considered calibrated forvideo transmission.

Video signals generated by the video signal generator 248 can be sentthrough the far end codec 206 to the near end codec 204 via thevideoconferencing connection 205. The far end controller 210 can thenpass information to the near end controller 208, to adjust levels in thenear end codec 204 for video. Once generated video levels from the farend system 214 are in agreement with calibrated target levels at thenear end system 212, the near end system 212 may be considered ascalibrated for video reception.

As another test, a system administrator can evaluate all signal levels(e.g., audio, video, etc. as applicable) to check that calibrated signallevels reside within calibrated target values, are within a correctperception range for end users, etc. This may be considered as a ‘sanitycheck’. If levels need to be adjusted during this test, the systemadministrator can make the changes for acceptable human perceptionbefore the calibrated configuration is considered complete. Once allcalibration tests are complete, results from the calibration tests canbe formatted and sent from the near end controller 208 to the far endcontroller 210 for archival purposes, reporting purposes, etc. Thesystem administrator can be a human, a software program, etc. fordetermining success or failure of a given calibration test, andassociating specific target values for a calibration test.

FIG. 2 illustrates the near end system 212 as including the near endcodec 204 and the near end controller 208, and the far end system 214 asincluding the far end codec 206 and the far end controller 210. Asanother option, some components of the near end system may be includedin the near codec, with the near end controller separate from the nearcodec. FIG. 3 illustrates a videoconferencing calibration system 300where the near end system codec 304 includes a microphone 320, an audioDSP 322, an audio DSP 324, an audio power amplifier 326, a speaker 328,a video switcher 332, and a display 334. The components of the near endsystem codec 304 may be integrated into the same physical device (e.g.,the same computing device, etc.).

As shown in FIG. 3, a near end controller 308 includes an audio signalgenerator 318 and a video signal generator 330. For example, the audiosignal generator 318 and video signal generator 330 may be integrated inthe same physical device of the near end controller 308.

The near end controller 308 is in communication with the near end systemcodec 304, and controls the near end system codec 304 to transmitvideoconferencing signal(s) to the far end system codec 306 via avideoconferencing connection 305. The videoconferencing connection 305may be transmitted via network 316.

The videoconferencing system 300 also includes a far end system codec306. The far end system codec 306 includes a microphone 338, audio DSP340, audio DSP 342, audio power amplifier 344, speaker 346, videoswitcher 350 and display 352. These components may be integrated in asame device of the far end system codec 306.

A far end controller 310 is in communication with the far end systemcodec 306. The far end controller 310 includes an audio signal generator318 and a video signal generator 330, which may be integrated in thesame physical device of the near end controller 308.

As another option, a codec, controller, and videoconferencing componentscould all be integrated in a single system. As shown in FIG. 4, avideoconferencing calibration system 400 includes a near end system 412and a far end system 414. The near end system 412 is configured totransmit a videoconferencing signal to the far end system 414 via avideoconferencing connection 405 on the network 416.

As shown in FIG. 4, the near end system 412 includes an audio signalgenerator 418 configured to supply a calibrated signal to a speaker 454.The speaker 454 outputs sound to a microphone 420, which provides asignal to an audio DSP 422. A near end codec 404 is coupled between theaudio DSP 422 and an audio DSP 424.

The audio DSP 424 outputs a signal to an audio power amplifier 426,which plays sound through a speaker 428. A microphone 462 detects soundfrom the speaker 428, which is fed back to the near end controller 408.The near end controller 408 can use the detected sound for localcalibration, etc.

The near end system 412 also includes a video signal generator 430, avideo switcher 432, a display 434 and a camera 456. The camera 456 maycapture images from the display 434, and feed the captured images backto the near end controller 408 for local calibration, etc.

The far end system 414 includes an audio signal generator 436 configuredto supply a calibrated signal to a speaker 458. The speaker 458 outputssound to a microphone 438, which provides a signal to an input audio DSP440. A far end codec 406 is coupled between the input audio DSP 440 andan output audio DSP 442.

The output audio DSP 442 outputs a signal to an audio power amplifier444, which plays sound through a speaker 446. A microphone 464 detectssound from the speaker 446, which is fed back to the far end controller410. The far end controller 410 can use the detected sound for localcalibration, etc.

The far end system 414 also includes a video signal generator 448, avideo switcher 450, a display 452 and a camera 460. The camera 460 maycapture images from the display 452, and feed the captured images backto the far end controller 410 for local calibration, etc.

As described herein, microphones can include any suitable audio devicecapable of audio pickup local to the area (e.g., room, etc.) in whichthe microphone resides. The microphone may be a test (e.g., measurement)microphone calibrated for specific audio levels, a non-calibrateddevice, part of a codec that may or may not be calibrated, etc.

Example speakers can include audio devices that reproduce audio into alocal area in which the speaker resides. The speaker can be internal toa codec, a display, a room, a codec component, etc. Alternatively, thespeaker may be external to a codec as a standalone speaker device.

Displays may include suitable video devices that project visual data,render visual data, etc. into a local area in which the display resides.The display may be internal to a codec, a room, a codec component, etc.Alternatively, the display may be external to the component, such as aprojector, an LCD television, an LED television, an OLED display, etc.

Digital signal processors (DSPs) described herein can include audioand/or video devices used for routing, processing, etc. audio and/orvideo signals. Video switchers can include video devices used forrouting, processing, etc. video signals. Similar to above, the DSPs andvideo switchers may be internal to a codec, may be a specific externalcomponent, may be implemented in software and/or hardware as part of acodec or system component, etc.

Example cameras can include any suitable video devices capable of videopickup local to the area in which the camera resides. For example, thecamera may be a test (e.g., measurement) camera calibrated for specificvisual levels, a non-calibrated device, part of a codec that may or maynot be calibrated, etc. The device may be internal to a codec, adisplay, a room, a codec component, etc. Alternatively, the camera maybe external to the codec as a standalone camera, part of another systemcomponent, etc.

The signal generators described herein can include suitable devicescapable of generating audio and/or video signals at calibrated levels,calibrated resolutions, etc. The signal generators may comprise aspecific device, multiple devices grouped together, a computer, softwarerunning on a device (e.g., codec), etc.

FIG. 5 illustrates an example process 500 for calibration of a near endmicrophone. As shown in FIG. 5, a signal generator 501 provides acalibrated signal (e.g., a signal having a calibrated level) to amicrophone 503. The output of the microphone 503 is fed to an audiodigital signal processor (DSP) 505. At 507, level evaluation isperformed to compare the signal from audio DSP 505 to a target level.

If the signal is not at approximately the target level, at 509, a levelof the microphone 503 is adjusted up or down accordingly in the audioDSP 505. The process 500 then returns to the audio DSP 505 to comparethe adjusted signal level to the target level at 507. If the signal isat the target level at 507, a local microphone level is set at 510. Ifthere are multiple local microphones in the system, the local microphonecalibration process 500 may be repeated for each microphone in thesystem.

FIG. 6 illustrates an example process 600 for audio calibration of anear end line level input. As shown in FIG. 6, a signal generator 601provides a calibrated signal to a line level input 611. The output ofthe line level input 611 is fed to an audio digital signal processor(DSP) 605. At 507, level evaluation is performed to compare the signalfrom audio DSP 505 to a target level.

If the signal is not at approximately the target level, at 509, a levelof the line level input 611 is adjusted up or down accordingly in theaudio DSP 605. The process 600 then returns to the audio DSP 605 tocompare the adjusted signal level to the target level at 607. If thesignal is at the target level at 607, a local program value of the linelevel input 611 is set at 615. If there are multiple content inputs inthe system, the calibration process 600 may be repeated for each contentinput in the system.

FIG. 7 illustrates an example process 700 for near end program outputaudio calibration. As shown in FIG. 7, a signal generator 701 provides acalibrated signal to a line level input 711. The output of the linelevel input 711 is fed to an audio digital signal processor (DSP) 705.The audio DSP 705 provides a signal to the audio amplifier 717, whichplays sound through room speakers 719. The sound from room speakers 719is detected by microphone 703, and input to an audio DSP 721.

At 707, level evaluation is performed to compare the signal from audioDSP 721 to a target level. If the signal is not at approximately thetarget level, at 713, a level of the line level input 711 is adjusted upor down accordingly in the audio DSP 705. The process 700 then returnsto the audio DSP 721 to compare the adjusted signal level to the targetlevel at 707. If the signal is at the target level at 707, a localprogram value of the line level input 711 is set at 715. If there aremultiple content inputs in the system, the calibration process 700 maybe repeated for each content input in the system.

FIG. 8 illustrates an example process 800 for calibration of a near endmicrophone transmission. As shown in FIG. 8, a near end codec 823provides a calibrated signal to a far end codec 825. The output of thefar end codec 825 is fed to an audio digital signal processor (DSP) 805.At 807, level evaluation is performed to compare the signal from audioDSP 805 to a target level.

If the signal is not at approximately the target level, at 827, atransmit level of the near end codec 823 is adjusted up or downaccordingly in an audio DSP of the near end codec 823. The process 800then returns to the audio DSP 805 to compare the adjusted signal levelto the target level at 807. If the signal is at the target level at 807,a transmit microphone level is set at 829. If there are multiplemicrophones in the system, the calibration process 800 may be repeatedfor each microphone in the system.

FIG. 9 illustrates an example process 900 for calibration of a near endprogram audio transmission. As shown in FIG. 9, a near end codec 923provides a calibrated signal to a far end codec 925. The output of thefar end codec 925 is fed to an audio digital signal processor (DSP) 905.At 907, level evaluation is performed to compare the signal from audioDSP 905 to a target level.

If the signal is not at approximately the target level, at 927, atransmit level of the near end codec 923 is adjusted up or downaccordingly in an audio DSP of the near end codec 923. The process 900then returns to the audio DSP 905 to compare the adjusted signal levelto the target level at 907. If the signal is at the target level at 907,a transmit (Tx) program audio level is set at 931. If there are multiplemicrophones in the system, the calibration process 900 may be repeatedfor each microphone in the system.

FIG. 10 illustrates an example process 1000 for near end audio receivecalibration. As shown in FIG. 10, a signal generator 1001 provides acalibrated signal to a far end codec 1025. The far end codec 1025transmits a signal to a near end codec 1023. An output of the near endcodec 1023 is fed to an audio DSP 1005. At 1007, level evaluation isperformed to compare the signal from audio DSP 1005 to a target level.

If the signal is not at approximately the target level, at 1027, areceive (Rx) level of the near end codec 1023 is adjusted up or downaccordingly in the audio DSP 1005 of the near end codec 1023. Theprocess 1000 then returns to the audio DSP 1005 to compare the adjustedsignal level to the target level at 1007. If the signal is at the targetlevel at 1007, a receive (Rx) program audio level is set at 1033.

Referring now to example processes for video calibration, FIG. 11illustrates an example process 1100 for calibration of near end contentvideo. As shown in FIG. 11, a signal generator 1101 provides acalibrated signal to a video input 1135. The output of the video input1135 is fed to a video DSP 1105. At 1107, level evaluation is performedto compare the signal from video DSP 1105 to a target level (e.g.,resolution, etc.).

If the signal is not at approximately the target level, at 1109, inputsettings are adjusted up or down accordingly in the video DSP 1105. Theprocess 1100 then returns to the video DSP 1105 to compare the adjustedsignal level to the target level at 1107. If the signal is at the targetlevel at 1107, a calibration of the content source is determined at1137. If there are multiple content inputs in the system, thecalibration process 1100 may be repeated for each content input in thesystem.

FIG. 12 illustrates an example process 1200 for calibration of a nearend camera. As shown in FIG. 12, a signal generator 1201 provides acalibrated signal to a camera 1239. The output of the camera 1239 is fedto a video DSP 1205. At 1207, level evaluation is performed to comparethe signal from the video DSP 1205 to a target level.

If the signal is not at approximately the target level, at 1209, inputsettings are adjusted up or down accordingly in the video DSP 1205. Theprocess 1200 then returns to the video DSP 1205 to compare the adjustedsignal level to the target level at 1207. If the signal is at the targetlevel at 1207, a calibration of the camera 1239 is determined at 1237.If there are multiple camera inputs in the system, the calibrationprocess 1200 may be repeated for each camera input in the system.

FIG. 13 illustrates an example process 1300 for near end video contentreceive calibration. As shown in FIG. 13, a far end codec 1325 providesa calibrated signal to a near end codec 1323. The output of the near endcodec 1323 is fed to a video DSP 1305. At 1307, level evaluation isperformed to compare the signal from the video DSP 1305 to a targetlevel.

If the signal is not at approximately the target level, at 1309, inputsettings are adjusted up or down accordingly in the video DSP 1305. Theprocess 1300 then returns to the video DSP 1305 to compare the adjustedsignal level to the target level at 1307. If the signal is at the targetlevel at 1307, a calibration of the content source is determined at1337. If there are multiple content inputs in the system, thecalibration process 1300 may be repeated for each content input in thesystem.

FIG. 14 illustrates an example process 1400 for calibration of a nearend camera. As shown in FIG. 14, a far end codec 1425 provides acalibrated signal to a near end codec 1423. The output of the near endcodec 1423 is fed to a video DSP 1405. At 1407, level evaluation isperformed to compare the signal from the video DSP 1405 to a targetlevel.

If the signal is not at approximately the target level, at 1409, inputsettings are adjusted up or down accordingly in the video DSP 1405. Theprocess 1400 then returns to the video DSP 1405 to compare the adjustedsignal level to the target level at 1407. If the signal is at the targetlevel at 1407, a calibration of a camera is determined at 1441. If thereare multiple camera inputs in the system, the calibration process 1400may be repeated for each camera input in the system.

FIG. 15 illustrates a controller 1500, according to one exampleembodiment of the present disclosure. The controller 1500 includes aprocessor 1543 (e.g., an integrated circuit chip, etc.), incommunication with memory 1545 (e.g., random access memory, etc.). Theprocessor 1543 may be configured to execute computer-executableinstructions stored in the memory 1545 to perform example methodsdescribed herein, etc.

The controller 1500 includes a wireless interface 1547, which mayinclude one or more antennas, etc. for IEEE 802.11 wireless LANcommunication, BLUETOOTH communication, etc. The controller 1500 alsoincludes one or more external ports 1549, such as a universal serial bus(USB) port, a general purpose input-output (GPIO) port, an HDMI port, acamera port, a display port, a stereo output port, a composite videooutput port, a micro SD port, a power supply input, etc.

In some embodiments, the controller 1500 may connect with a codec via aninternet protocol (IP) connection (e.g., wired or wireless), to controlthe codec, adjust settings of the codec, etc. The controller 1500 mayconnect to a cloud server via an IP connection, may connect to othervideoconferencing devices such as a video signal processor through USB,RS232, etc.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, an exemplarymethod of calibrating a videoconferencing system is disclosed. Thevideoconferencing system includes a first controller in communicationwith a first codec and a second controller in communication with asecond codec. The second codec is connected to the first codec through avideoconferencing connection.

The method includes receiving, at the second codec, a videoconferencingsignal transmitted by the first codec to the second codec through thevideoconferencing connection between the first codec and the secondcodec. The method also includes analyzing, by the second controller, thevideoconferencing signal received at the second codec to determine acalibration adjustment value by comparing at least one signal levelvalue of the videoconferencing signal to a calibration target accordingto at least one calibration adjustment rule. The method further includestransmitting the determined calibration adjustment value to the firstcontroller to allow the first controller to adjust a signal levelsetting of the first codec according to the determined calibrationadjustment value transmitted by the first controller.

The received videoconferencing signal may be generated by avideoconferencing component in communication with the first codec. Forexample, the videoconferencing component may include a microphone, anaudio digital signal processor, an audio line input, a video switcher, acamera, etc. In some embodiments, the received videoconferencing signalmay be based on a calibrated signal provided to the videoconferencingcomponent by a signal generator in communication with thevideoconferencing component.

The method may include transmitting, by the second codec, a secondvideoconferencing signal to the first codec through thevideoconferencing connection to allow the first controller to analyzethe transmitted second videoconferencing signal to determine a secondcalibration adjustment value for adjusting a second signal level settingof the first codec. In this case, the transmitted secondvideoconferencing signal may be generated by a videoconferencingcomponent in communication with the second codec.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, another exemplarymethod of calibrating a videoconferencing system is disclosed. Thevideoconferencing system includes a first controller in communicationwith a first codec and a second controller in communication with asecond codec. The second codec is connected to the first codec through avideoconferencing connection.

The example method includes transmitting, by the first codec, avideoconferencing signal to the second codec through thevideoconferencing connection between the first codec and the secondcodec. The method also includes receiving, by the first controller, acalibration adjustment value from the second controller. The receivedcalibration adjustment value is determined by the second controller bycomparing at least one signal level value of the videoconferencingsignal received at the second codec to a calibration target according toat least one calibration adjustment rule. The method further includesadjusting, by the first controller, a signal level setting of the firstcodec using a level adjustment command of the first codec, where thelevel adjustment command is determined according to the calibrationadjustment value transmitted by the second controller.

The method may include initiating, by the first controller, thevideoconferencing connection between the first codec and the secondcodec. In some cases, the method may include saving, by the firstcontroller, adjusted local signal level settings of the first codec. Thesaved adjusted local signal level settings may be transmitted to thesecond controller.

The system may include a videoconferencing component in communicationwith the first codec. In this case, the method may include controlling,by the first controller, the videoconferencing component to transmit thevideoconferencing signal to the second codec through thevideoconferencing connection. A signal generator may be in communicationwith the videoconferencing component, with the method further comprisingcontrolling, by the first controller, the signal generator to provide acalibrated signal to the videoconferencing component.

In some embodiments, the system may include an output component coupledbetween the first codec and the first controller. In this case, themethod can include transmitting a local videoconferencing signal to theoutput component from the first codec, and analyzing the localvideoconferencing signal received at the output component to determine alocal calibration adjustment value by comparing at least one signallevel value of the local videoconferencing signal to a local calibrationtarget according to at least one local calibration adjustment rule. Themethod may also include adjusting a local signal level setting of thefirst codec using the level adjustment command of the first codec, wherethe level adjustment command corresponds to the local calibrationadjustment value.

In another example embodiment of a process for automaticvideoconferencing calibration, a speaker may be placed at a location ofa main participant in a near end room. The speaker may be placed on astand at an elevation and standard talking distance away from amicrophone. The speaker can be set to a standard calibrated tone (e.g.,about 60 dB, etc.). A computer can be positioned at presentationlocation within the room, with an HDMI input of the computer connectedto an HDMI input at the presentation location. A VGA adapter may beconnected to a VGA input at the presentation location. A camera (e.g.,USB camera) is placed on a stand in the middle of the room and aimed ata display in the front of the room. The camera is connected to thecomputer to verify the camera is capturing the display in the room.

In order to set a local microphone level, a room controller (e.g., nearend controller) can communicate with an audio DSP inside a codec throughAPI commands, as connected via an IP or RS-232 connection. The roomcontroller will use the API acknowledgements and commands to determinethe measured level the microphone is receiving in the codec. Thecontroller will then communicate with the DSP inside the codec to adjustthe microphone gain (up or down) until it hits its target level (e.g.,−5 dBU, etc.). At this point, the local microphone is configured foruse, and the room controller will apply this setting for a startingpoint to all other active microphones in the system. A sanity check maybe required to validate these results.

After the controller has configured the local microphones, the systemmay display a message on the codec control interface, telling theoperator that the microphones have been configured and the speaker canbe turned off. If the room controller is connected to another signalgenerator via IP, RS-232, etc., the controller can stop the local tonein the room. The controller may then play noise through HDMI output intothe codec. The room controller can communicate to the audio DSP insidethe codec through API, to adjust the microphone gain (up or down) untilit hits its target level of −0 dBU. At this point the local programaudio level is configured for use.

In order to configure local video levels, the controller may change aconfiguration setting or the HDMI output to test for a specific (e.g.,predetermined) resolution, such as 720p (60 frames per second), 1080p,etc. This may be performed sequentially at various resolutions across arange, etc. The controller can use API acknowledgements and commands todetermine the video signal details (e.g., resolution, framerate, etc.)received at the content input of the codec. The controller may beconfigured to take a picture and store the picture to verify theresolution recognized on the codec is passed through to the display.

For audio transmission calibration, a near end controller can set upcommunication with a far end controller. The far end controllercommunicates with far end equipment. The near end controller theninitiates a point-to-point video call to the far end calibrated systemand codec. The far end controller communicates with the local DSP toverify speech audio is being received at a calibrated level of −5 dBU.If the level is lower or higher than the target level, the far endcontroller communicates with the near end controller so the near endcontroller can adjust an audio transmission (Tx) level of the near endcodec DSP. When the level on the far end is verified to be at −5 dBU(e.g., the target level), the system is calibrated for speechtransmission from the near end room. At this point, the near endcontroller can save the codec configuration settings.

A similar process can be used to check calibration of video signals fromthe near end codec to the far end codec. Specifically, the far endcontroller verifies the expected video traffic and video signal is beingreceived and displayed at the far end codec.

The far end controller can control the far end codec to transmit a toneof 0 dBU to the near end system. The near end codec DSP can thenevaluate the received signal and adjust the receive (Rx) level up anddown accordingly (e.g., if the received signal is more or less than 0dBU).

The near end controller and the far end controller can repeatcalibration tests described herein for a variety of different calltypes. For example, the controllers can perform calibration for apoint-to-point video call (e.g., near end to far end and far end to nearend), an audio only point-to-point call, a point-to-point video callwith audio bridged into the video call, a call to both endpoints througha video MCU, a call to both end points through an audio bridge, a callwith a bridged video MCU and audio bridge, etc.

Example embodiments described herein may provide one or more (or none)of the following advantages: improved calibration speed using automaticcalibration algorithms, improved accuracy using the automaticcalibration algorithms, ability to perform calibrations at locationswhere a technician is not physically present or cannot be physicallypresent at a desired time, etc.

The foregoing description of the embodiments has been provided forpurposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to beexhaustive or to limit the disclosure. Individual elements or featuresof a particular embodiment are generally not limited to that particularembodiment, but, where applicable, are interchangeable and can be usedin a selected embodiment, even if not specifically shown or described.The same may also be varied in many ways. Such variations are not to beregarded as a departure from the disclosure, and all such modificationsare intended to be included within the scope of the disclosure.

1. A videoconferencing calibration system comprising: a firstvideoconferencing component; a first codec in communication with thefirst videoconferencing component; a second codec connected to the firstcodec via a videoconferencing connection; a first controller incommunication with the first videoconferencing component and the firstcodec, the first controller configured to control the firstvideoconferencing component to transmit a videoconferencing signal tothe second codec through the videoconferencing connection; and a secondcontroller in communication with the second codec, the second controllerconfigured to analyze the videoconferencing signal transmitted throughthe videoconferencing connection to determine a calibration adjustmentvalue by comparing at least one signal level value of thevideoconferencing signal to a calibration target according to at leastone calibration adjustment rule, and to transmit the determinedcalibration adjustment value to the first controller, the firstcontroller configured to adjust a signal level setting of the firstcodec according to the calibration adjustment value transmitted by thesecond controller.
 2. The system of claim 1, wherein the firstvideoconferencing component includes at least one of a microphone, anaudio digital signal processor, an audio line input, a video switcher,and a camera.
 3. The system of claim 1, wherein the transmittedvideoconferencing signal includes an audio signal.
 4. The system ofclaim 1, wherein the transmitted videoconferencing signal includes avideo signal.
 5. The system of claim 1, wherein the at least one signallevel value includes at least one of a decibel of sound pressure level(dB SPL) value, a dBU value, a dBV value, a decibels relative to fullscale (dB FS) value, a real time analyzation (RTA) of frequency level,an equalization value of frequency, a time domain value, a time delayvalue, a video resolution value, a video frame rate value, a video colorvalue, a video color bit depth value, a video signal type value, and anaudio signal type value.
 6. The system of claim 1, further comprising asignal generator coupled between the first controller and the firstvideoconferencing component, wherein the first controller is configuredto control the signal generator to provide a calibrated signal to thefirst videoconferencing component.
 7. The system of claim 1, furthercomprising an output component coupled between the first codec and thefirst controller, the first controller configured to control the firstvideoconferencing component to transmit a local videoconferencing signalto the output component through the first codec, analyze the localvideoconferencing signal received at the output component to determine alocal calibration adjustment value, and adjust a local level setting ofthe first codec according to the determined local calibration adjustmentvalue.
 8. The system of claim 7, wherein the output component is one ofa speaker and a display.
 9. The system of claim 1, further comprising asecond videoconferencing component in communication with the secondcodec, the second controller configured to control the secondvideoconferencing component to transmit a second videoconferencingsignal to the first codec through the videoconferencing connection, thefirst codec configured to analyze the second videoconferencing signaltransmitted through the videoconferencing connection to determine asecond calibration adjustment value, and to adjust a second signal levelsetting of the first codec according to the second calibrationadjustment value.
 10. The system of claim 1, wherein the first codeccomprises one of a room-based component codec, a mobile cart-basedcodec, a mobile phone-based codec, and a mobile tablet-based codec. 11.The system of claim 1, wherein the first codec is a near end codeclocated in a first building, the second codec is a far end codec locatedin a second building separate from the first building, and thevideoconferencing connection between the first codec and the secondcodec includes a network connection between the first codec and thesecond codec.
 12. The system of claim 1, wherein the first controller isconfigured to save one or more adjusted signal level settings of thefirst codec and transmit the saved one or more signal level settings tothe second controller.
 13. The system of claim 1, further comprising afirst computing device and a second computing device, wherein the firstthe first codec and at least one of the first videoconferencingcomponent and the first controller are part of the first computingdevice, and the second codec and the second controller are part of thesecond computing device.
 14. A method of calibrating a videoconferencingsystem, the videoconferencing system comprising a first controller incommunication with a first codec, and a second controller incommunication with a second codec, the second codec connected to thefirst codec through a videoconferencing connection, the methodcomprising: receiving, at the second codec, a videoconferencing signaltransmitted by the first codec to the second codec through thevideoconferencing connection between the first codec and the secondcodec; analyzing, by the second controller, the videoconferencing signalreceived at the second codec to determine a calibration adjustment valueby comparing at least one signal level value of the videoconferencingsignal to a calibration target according to at least one calibrationadjustment rule; and transmitting the determined calibration adjustmentvalue to the first controller to allow the first controller to adjust asignal level setting of the first codec according to the determinedcalibration adjustment value.
 15. The method of claim 14, wherein thereceived videoconferencing signal is generated by a videoconferencingcomponent in communication with the first codec, the videoconferencingcomponent including at least one of a microphone, an audio digitalsignal processor, an audio line input, a video switcher, and a camera.16. The method of claim 14, wherein the received videoconferencingsignal is based on a calibrated signal provided to the videoconferencingcomponent by a signal generator in communication with thevideoconferencing component.
 17. The method of claim 14, furthercomprising transmitting, by the second codec, a second videoconferencingsignal to the first codec through the videoconferencing connection toallow the first controller to analyze the transmitted secondvideoconferencing signal to determine a second calibration adjustmentvalue for adjusting a second signal level setting of the first codec.18. The method of claim 17, wherein the transmitted secondvideoconferencing signal is generated by a videoconferencing componentin communication with the second codec.
 19. A controller for calibratinga videoconferencing system, the system including a first codec connectedto a second codec through a videoconferencing connection, the controllercomprising: an input in communication with the first codec for obtaininga videoconferencing signal received by the first codec from the secondcodec through the videoconferencing connection; and an output fortransmitting a calibration adjustment value to another controller over anetwork, the other controller in communication with the second codec;wherein the controller is configured to analyze the obtainedvideoconferencing signal received by the first codec to determine thecalibration adjustment value by comparing at least one signal levelvalue of the videoconferencing signal to a calibration target accordingto at least one calibration adjustment rule, and to transmit thedetermined calibration adjustment value to the other controller to allowthe other controller to adjust a signal level setting of the secondcodec using a level adjustment command of the second codec, the leveladjustment command corresponding to the determined calibrationadjustment value.
 20. The controller of claim 19, wherein the determinedcalibration adjustment value is determined according to a differencebetween the calibration target and the at least one signal level valueof the obtained videoconferencing signal. 21-35. (canceled)